computer saying 'windows may be counterfeit!'

[sparkybabe]

I was helping a friend on his computer and he wanted to download AVG anti-virus. We used a site which in retrospect looks a bit dodgy - no telephone no, no contact details, price £5.97 for 3 years, then charged him £25.86! and the nextthing - he's lost his wallpaper, screen is black, and a message pops up saying that it cannot find the windows certification, and it may be counterfeit! He got the comp from his BIL who says the windows was genuine - anyone had this prob? Is it a scam? Was it triggered by the AVG-possible fake? Is it fixable? He's a bit concerned now that the AVG will take his money every day now!

[southeastastra]

uninstall it quick maybe

[sparkybabe]

SEA - I would uninstall but it doesn't seem to have installed!!! I can't find it anyway. I thought AVG was free but apparently some bits are free and the more usefull bits aren't. I did try to disuade him from buying it, as we'd had probs before.

[southeastastra]

have you looked under all programs. i'm not an expert btw

[sparkybabe]

I'm no expert either but I feel really guilty now that I put his payment detials on the website, even tho he asked me to do it! I'll look on all progs but I have a bad feeling about that website. We've had no email conf, but they've taken the money!

[southeastastra]

can you link the site you downloaded it from?

[sparkybabe]

AVG is the site

[southeastastra]

the comment at the bottom 'Disclaimer: This website is not affiliated in any way with the owner of the software product', is a bit worrying but like i said i'm no expert!

i'd download this and run a scan

[sparkybabe]

I know, I read that bit - afterwards! There is no telephone number (well there is one, but in the netherlands!) and no email address either. But more worried about the money going off his debit card.

Thanks for the link - So if I download that will it tell me if it is a prob?

[southeastastra]

yes i also use spybot which usually finds anything dodgy

[sparkybabe]

It won't find a dodgy website tho will it?

I did email the official AVG website but I don't suppose they will be of any help.

[southeastastra]

no sure about the money part? i'd call the card company

[PortAndStilton]

Yes, that site isn't charging you for anything to do with AVG, it says "Membership is for unlimited access to our site. We provide an organized website with links to third party freeware and shareware software, technical support, tutorials and step by step guides"

Always download free AVG via free.avg.com

And AdAware via www.lavasoft.com

And Spybot via www.safer-networking.org

Pretending to be one of those programs is a very common way of infecting your computer, so only ever get them via the official sites.

Install and run Spybot, AdAware and the real AVG.

[sparkybabe]

Thanks guys - the prob is that the site looks like it is an official site, it;s only the small print that might cause suspicions. Don't know what to do now, how to get his money back, as we haven't got anything for his £25!

[BreevandercampLGJ]

Tell the bank, get his card stopped.

[nannynick]

I would not have thought that a bank would consider a charge-back on this, as I feel it does state in the top banner graphic on the signup page what you are paying for. Also there is a disclaimer at the bottom of each page.
You could have a chat with the bank though just to see, but alas I feel it's a buyer beware situation.

I would suggest terminating any on-going agreement that they may be for membership of the site, so that in future the card is not re-billed. You may also want to have the card used reissued, so there is a new expiry date and issue number, as a means of helping protect against any repeat re-bills.